15767604 LB7 Cooling system lower panel (behind bumper; funnels air into stack)

[N2BRK]

How important is this piece? I just saw another LB7 last night and he has this part. Now I know that mine is missing, LOL. Can't get it anywhere of course; save perhaps finding a parts truck and yanking it. Has anyone duplicated or improved upon this part? I'm thinking maybe I can sweet talk the owner of the truck that I saw it on into letting me use his to tin-knock up my own!

I should mention that I'm asking about the efficacy because my truck runs hot and I'm trying to determine if this is part of the reason why. I plan to yank the rad and clean the stack, change the trans cooler, etc. but it's 100* today and I'm not pulling that shit right now! HAHA. I'm running (empty) 192* down the highway and hit 206* at the 4th traffic light around town today. Fan clutch is a new Hayden and working great compared to the old OEM that I took out.

Thanks all!
Wally

 

[2004LB7]

I've seen a handful of trucks missing them. Not sure it's too important. I think as long as the stack is clean and the clutch is in good shape you probably won't see any temperature different

But, I also thought it made a bigger difference to the transmission cooler then the radiator

 

[N2BRK]

My trans runs hot, but it’s (the cooler) some unknown replacement from the PO and has a fitting leak. I bought a PPE bar and plate and replacement hoses. Next week, I’ll replace them when it’s in the 80’s.

 

[Chevy1925]

Sounds normal to me. 114* out yesterday and my truck ran those same temps on stock t-stats.

That little air guide down there in the bumper isn’t gonna do anything for the transmission temp because the transmission cooler is up behind the emblem. Now if you’re moving it down where the 06+ trucks run them then I can see that little air guide, maybe making a difference on the transmission cooler , but that would be about it. Also, I’m pretty sure the air holes through there are a lot smaller than the lbz have, but I could be wrong on that.

To help you compare, my trans ran 200°, engine coolant temp was between 195 and 200, and my engine oil temp is hovering right around 200 205. Engine coolant temp stayed at 195 while driving down the road and cooling fan on engage the whole time. Sitting in traffic is when it would creep up to 200

 

[Ron Nielson]

There must be many of these in the junk yards. Here is what they come on :
6.6L turbo diesel. Without rear ac, 2500. 8.1L gas. Type 1, 3/4 ton. 4.8, 5.3 & 6.0L. with heavy duty.

 

[N2BRK]

Great info as always, gents. Thanks a bunch! Looks like no real smoking gun, and it’s the nature of the beast to run hotter than my old LMM. I’ll still do the usual PM and such, and search the yards for the lower panel. I have a lead on an ‘04 nearby in a yard 1/2hr away that might be a donor for this.